International Students

1. International Students WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES

2. Types of Employment • On Campus Employment – F-1 and J-1 • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – F-1 • Optional Practical Training (OPT) – F-1 • Academic Training – J-1 • Paid vs. Unpaid

3. F-1 Working On Campus No permission needed • up to 20 hours per week during regular fall and spring semesters • more than 20 hours per week during regular school breaks (including summer semester)

4. J-1 Working On Campus Written permission needed from RO/ARO • up to 20 hours per week during regular fall and spring semesters • more than 20 hours per week during regular school breaks (including summer semester)

5. F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CGU • Must be an integral part of the student’s curriculum: YOU MUST EARN UNITS (or be on doctoral studies/continuous registration) • If not required for degree, eligible only after one full academic year of study (9 months) • Department gives initial approval, final permission is granted by DSO/International Student Advisor/Coordinator • Job offer required before approval can be granted • Approved for a specific employer(s), for a specific time period • Can be given for up to one semester at a time (one year if on doctoral studies) • Can be Part Time (20 hours/week or less) or Full Time (more than 20 hours/week) • Full Time CPT cannot be granted while you are completing course work • Only available while on doctoral studies or during summer semester or school breaks • 12 months of full time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT

6. F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) • Generally done after completion of academic program, but may be done before completion • Employment must be related to field of study • Maximum of 12 months per academic level • Must be recommended by DSO/International Student Advisor/Coordinator • Requires an application and fee ($340.00) with USCIS • Final approval granted by USCIS (EAD), generally takes 90 days to be approved – APPLY EARLY • No job offer required for approval • Application must be received by USCIS prior to the end of your 60-Day Grace Period (though we recommend that you file no later than 1 month before you complete your degree requirements)

7. F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) cont. Other important OPT notes: • You can use OPT anywhere in the US • You may switch employers • You must report any and all changes in Employment • You are eligible for OPT after each higher degree earned • You can use your OPT while waiting for a change of status to H-1B

8. F-1 OPT: 90 Day Unemployment Provision • You may not be unemployed during your OPT for a total aggregate of 90 days (including breaks between employment longer than 10 days) • “Volunteer” work or unpaid internships count as employment for your initial OPT • Multiple jobs can be used to complete the full-time (20 hr) requirement • Make sure you report ALL employment to your international student coordinator

9. F-1 OPT: Reporting Employment • Employment Information to Report • Employer’s Name (Business name) • Address (if multiple, report the location where you will be working) • Start Date • End Date (if applicable) • Position Title • It is helpful if you include a quick statement as to how the job fulfills OPT requirements) • Hours per week • Remember you can have multiple jobs to make up the minimum 20 hours a week • Note Primary Employer

10. F-1 OPT: Reporting Other Changes • Other Information to Report • Change in Address • Change in Email Address • Change in Telephone Number • Leaving the US • Remember to obtain travel signatures if temporary travel • Change of Status (i.e. to H1)

11. F-1 OPT – STEM Extension • Some degrees in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics qualify for the 17-month STEM Extension • Granted AFTER your initial OPT Year • New OPT Application • Another application fee plus processing time • Apply roughly 3 months prior to your current OPT expiring

12. F-1 OPT – STEM Extension • Qualifications for STEM Extension • STEM approvable degree (please see your International Student Coordinator) • Traditional full-time paid employment • No volunteer or unpaid internships • Employer must be registered with US Government’s E-Verify System

13. F-1 OPT: H1-B Cap-Gap Provision • If you apply and are approved for an H1-B but your H1 status will not take affect until after your OPT expires, you are eligible for the automatic H1-B Cap-Gap Provision. • You must contact your International Student Advisor prior to the expiration of your current OPT to obtain the extension (provide proof of H1 approval) • STEM students: You do not need to file for a STEM Extension in this case

14. J-1 Academic Training: CGU • Can be paid or unpaid • Can be done during or after studies • Needs approval from academic advisor and RO/ARO • Length of time depends on whether student is non-degree or degree-seeking (Master’s or Doctorate)

15. Next Steps • Always check with your International Student Advisor/Coordinator before accepting any offer of employment if you are unsure if it is suitable • Remember to report all changes in employment, address, and email address/phone number • It is very important that we can contact you while on OPT • I-Place is also available for questions at any time (ipoffice@mckenna.edu or 909-621-8344)